Ageism: A Harmful Force We All Must Combat 🌱
Ageing isn't exclusive to the elderly, as Ashton Applewhite emphasized; it's a universal experience that begins at birth. Despite this, ageism persists as a major issue, raising questions about its prevalence given the universality of ageing. The annual Century Summit, organized by Stanford University and the Stanford Center on Longevity, brought experts together to discuss the challenges of ageism and the opportunities for a more inclusive, intergenerational society.
Hosted over two days, the conference addressed ageism and its various manifestations, including health, work, and societal issues. Notably, physicians might dismiss treatable conditions in older adults as a result of ageing, undermining the importance of providing high-quality healthcare across all ages. In the workplace, young people grapple with the necessity of having significant experience for entry-level roles, while older individuals struggling to find new employment often resort to part-time or gig jobs. Exclusion from the workplace can lead to social isolation, further exacerbating feelings of loneliness and depression. The media and advertising often perpetuate ageist stereotypes, which further entrench the problem.
Ageism stems from stereotypes about people based on their age, leading to harmful beliefs and negative attitudes. Internalized ageism refers to an individual holding biases against themselves based on these stereotypes. As people age, they become increasingly susceptible to internalizing age-related beliefs, which can impact their confidence and career decisions, often leading to self-exclusion from employment and communities.
Gender also plays a significant role in ageism, as women, especially minorities, tend to experience higher rates of poverty. Lack of job opportunities and ageist stereotypes contribute to this issue. Politically, efforts to address workplace ageism often fall under diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. However, ongoing policy changes can affect the availability of these programs.
Intergenerational solidarity can help combat the impacts of ageism by promoting mutual respect and understanding, encouraging active engagement, enhancing productivity and well-being, addressing social inequalities, creating age-friendly environments, and challenging ageist stereotypes. By actively engaging with one another and valuing the contributions of all ages, we can foster a more inclusive, supportive society.
Experts on ageism and workplace discrimination acknowledged the prevalence of internalized ageism and self-bias during the Stanford Century Summit on aging, highlighting its impact on individuals' confidence and career decisions. Longevity and workforce inclusion are key components in overcoming age discrimination policies and DEI challenges, and promoting intergenerational solidarity is crucial in challenging gendered ageism in employment. The summit emphasized how age stereotypes impact health and work, particularly in the workplace, and advocated for breaking down these stereotypes to create a more equitable society.
